January MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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This issue highlights key industry updates, community news, and upcoming events relevant to the restaurant industry, helping you stay informed about important developments across Greater Boston as we begin the new year. As we step into 2026, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to every Asian restaurant owner and professional for your resilience, dedication, and contributions over the past year. We wish you a prosperous and energetic year ahead, and a strong, festive start as we approach the Lunar New Year. |
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1) 2026 MARA Holiday Party | Lunar New Year Celebration The 2026 MARA Holiday Party will take place on February 12, bringing together Asian restaurant owners, MARA members, and friends from across the community to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. This annual gathering is an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and welcome the new year together. MARA warmly invites everyone to join us for an information sharing, networking，joy, and New Year celebration as we kick off the Lunar New Year 2026. Date: February 12, 2026, 2:00 PM
Location: 65 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111 We look forward to celebrating with you and welcoming a prosperous year ahead—together. |
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2) ABEC 2026 Ignite Program - AAPI Restaurant Coaching Program Ignite is a free, 6-week, one-on-one coaching program for Massachusetts Asian-owned restaurants, designed to help owners strengthen operations, understand their numbers, and plan for growth during a challenging economic period. The coaching is led by PrepShift, co-founded by Irene Li (Mei Mei Dumplings), and is practical, tailored, and focused on real business needs. |
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3）Preview of 2026 Lunar New Year Celebrations
The 2026 Lunar New Year will fall on February 17. Boston Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade is expected to take place on March 1 at 10:30 a.m., kicking off from Phillips Square. In celebration of the holiday, cultural institutions and local communities across Greater Boston will also host a variety of festive events. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) will hold a Lunar New Year celebration on the evening of February 19, featuring art, performances, and hands-on activities highlighting Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. Meanwhile, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem plans to present a full-day Lunar New Year cultural festival on February 21, inviting the public to welcome the new year together. |
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NEWS YOU DON"T WANT TO MISS |
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1) Boston’s Landmark Food Hall Time Out Market to Close, Reflecting Ongoing Industry Challenges The iconic Time Out Market in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood has announced that it will permanently close on January 23, 2026. Since opening in 2019, the food hall—home to 15 restaurant vendors—has become a popular dining destination for both local residents and visitors. However, the operator cited continued post-pandemic challenges, including inconsistent foot traffic driven by hybrid work patterns and rising operating costs, making the business difficult to sustain. Industry observers note that several well-known Massachusetts restaurants have closed in recent months. For example, Uno Pizzeria shuttered its locations in Braintree, Dedham, and Revere; pizza chain Bertucci’s closed multiple Massachusetts locations following its second bankruptcy filing last year; and Twin Donuts, a Boston institution with a 70-year history, closed last spring. Experts point to persistent inflation, increasingly price-sensitive consumers, and elevated labor costs as key pressures weighing on restaurant profitability. The closure of Time Out Market is widely seen as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the restaurant industry—and has prompted renewed discussion about how food and dining businesses can adapt in the era of hybrid work. |
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2) 31 Massachusetts Restaurants Receive State Grants to Support Food Security Efforts Massachusetts has announced the recipients of its Food Insecurity Grant Program, with 31 independent restaurants across the state awarded a total of $900,000 in funding. The program, administered by MassDevelopment (formerly the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation), is designed to support restaurants in providing meals and food services to community partners such as food banks, senior centers, and schools, helping to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations. State officials noted that the initiative creates a dual benefit: it offers restaurants an additional revenue stream and strengthens the resilience of small businesses, while also helping to alleviate the growing food insecurity challenges that have intensified since the pandemic. Several grant recipients shared that the funding has enabled them to retain staff, stabilize operations, and give back to their communities by providing hot meals to shelters and low-income families—making the program both economically and socially impactful. |
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3) Boston Named One of the Top U.S. Travel Destinations for 2026 Boston has been selected by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top U.S. travel destinations for 2026, ranking among the top 30 nationwide and standing out as the only city from New England to make the list. According to the report, Boston’s rich history, championship sports culture, and diverse culinary scene make it an especially attractive destination for travelers in the coming year. With major international events on the horizon—including FIFA World Cup matches hosted in Boston in 2026—industry leaders anticipate a strong return of international visitors. This is expected to create meaningful growth opportunities for tourism-related businesses, particularly in dining and hospitality. The recognition has boosted confidence across the local restaurant industry, with many operators planning to showcase Boston-inspired menus and experiences to capture increased visitor demand. |
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Events for Restaurant Pros |
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1)Earned Income Tax Credit Workshop Earned Income Tax Credit help many families afford basic needs. Many people who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit miss out because they think they don't make enough money to file a tax return. Come learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit and see if you are eligible to apply. Date: January 30th, 2026 (Friday) Time: 1:00 pm Please RSVP: Phone: 617-426-9492 Email: info@aaca-boston.org |
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2）Workforce Training Grant – Final Call Date: December 1, 2025
Location: Boston, MA
Hosted by MRA, this course includes same-day food safety training and certification required for restaurant operations across Massachusetts. |
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3) Boston Dine Out / Winter Restaurant Week Dates: February 22 – March 7, 2026
Location: Greater Boston Area Overview:
Boston’s biannual Dine Out Boston / Winter Restaurant Week will return in late winter for a two-week run. During the event, participating restaurants will offer specially priced prix-fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner, providing set-price dining options for guests. As one of the city’s most anticipated annual food events, Restaurant Week presents a valuable opportunity for restaurants to boost traffic during the slower winter season, test new menu offerings, and attract new customers. For diners, it offers an affordable way to explore a wide range of restaurants across Greater Boston. Restaurants are encouraged to plan promotions in advance, while guests are advised to review menus early and make reservations at popular venues. |
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Dear restaurant owners and business providers, MARA is devoted to be the backbone of the Asian restaurant community and maintain a vibrant platform for Asian restaurants and business/service providers alike. We support our members with information on fund-sourcing, policy interpretation, networking opportunities and public advocacy, to name a few. In today's fast changing environment, MARA will be your ally, and you will never have to face challenges alone. |
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Founded in 2018, Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) is a non-profit corporation registered at Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It formed a partnership with Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) in 2020. MARA provides Asian restaurant businesses the resources and guidance needed to advance in the industry. MARA is a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional service providers as well as relevant governmental entities to enhance the communication collaboration and mutual benefits. Visit ma-ara.org to join or learn more. |
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948 Broadway
Saugus, MA 01906, United States |
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